Andina

FA Min: Peru condemns massive military offensive against Ukraine

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

13:30 | Geneva (Switzerland), Feb. 28.

Foreign Affairs Minister Cesar Landa on Monday reaffirmed that Peru condemns the massive military offensive against Ukraine, which constitutes an act of aggression —according to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314— as it violates Ukraine's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

This was expressed in his participation at the United Nations' Conference on Disarmament taking place in Geneva, where he emphasized that our country rejects the use of force, demands an immediate ceasefire, as well as an end to all hostilities, and invokes the will of States to immediately start disarmament negotiations.

"We deeply lament the veto that took place within the Security Council of a draft resolution which precisely ordered the cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of military forces," Minister Landa indicated while expressing his solidarity with the affected population and called on the parties involved (Russia and Ukraine) to find peaceful solutions to their differences through diplomatic negotiation —in strict respect of international law and the UN Charter.

The Cabinet member indicated that Peru saw with alarm the new arms race motivated by geopolitical calculations —with levels of military spending that exceed trillions of US dollars.

In this sense, the government official expressed that our country observes, with great concern, the new ballistic missile launch tests in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the slow progress regarding the resumption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program.

"As Foreign Affairs minister and jurist, I cannot remain impassive before the use of weapons and its consequences on the lives of millions of people," he expressed.

Minister Landa said that in these moments of uncertainty UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' Our Common Agenda project presents the vision of a new peace agenda, which Peru supports, focused on the reduction of strategic risks for which "we must act now and together, towards the strengthening of a disarmament architecture, currently weakened and eroded."

The Foreign Affairs sector's head added that disarmament is not only the prohibition and elimination of mass destruction weapons, but also means the regulation of conventional weapons.

In this regard, he said the military application of new technologies —especially the use of artificial intelligence— is source of legal, humanitarian, and ethical concerns.

"We agree with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres when he states that weapons systems, which operate without human intervention, are politically inadmissible, morally reprehensible, and should be prohibited by international law," he stated.

Moreover, Minister Landa indicated that Peru looks forward to resuming the negotiation of a Political Declaration which protects civilians from bombings and artillery in the cities.

"The use of explosive weapons in urban areas has devastating consequences on the civilian population; therefore, Peru supports the adoption of an international political commitment which helps reverse this unfortunate humanitarian situation," he emphasized.

Similarly, the minister expressed Peru's commitment to strengthen multilateral institutions and to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes so as to respond to major global challenges —within a framework of the primacy of law and justice.

The official also emphasized the priority with which disarmament issues must be addressed, since a climate of international peace is the only guarantee to commit to the effective achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

"It is unacceptable that we find government actors willing to consider military options to resolve their discrepancies, when serious challenges persist that concern the daily lives of our citizens," he stressed.

In this sense, he referred to the health crisis of the last two years which has left millions of homes in mourning, brought with it serious socioeconomic consequences, and revealed that global challenges must be faced by the international community in solidarity.

"Epidemiological outbreaks, climate change, and the possible use of nuclear weapons in war conflagrations are three global challenges that affect the well-being of humanity, put the planet's survival at risk, and threaten collective security," he concluded.

(END) NDP/MVB

Published: 2/28/2022